The National Convention held in Reno, Nevada August 14 through the 19, 2006 generated a lot of changes.  Over 50 resolutions were adopted.  These include: raising the limit for fundraising from $2,500.00 to $10,000.00 before requiring approval from National.  Increase minimum annual membership dues to $15.00 payable to the Post, $13.00 of which shall be forwarded to National and $2.00 to the Department, effective 9/1/2007.  Adopted after much discussion and many amendments a uniform National Constitution to eliminate the need for Department Constitutions, yet allow for a certain amount of Department autonomy by the use of Department By-Laws.  Flag protection, the right to fly the flag etc., was also included along with many others.  I’m sure you will learn about all of them in more detail in the National AMERICAN VETERANS magazine. 

When it came to awards the Department of Illinois was presented with the top award for a Department newspaper.  Congratulations to Ashley Waltz and the entire department headquarters staff for all their hard work.  The newspaper had certainly come a long way in a relatively short time.  Illinois once again earned top honors for the ROTC program. Post 66’s own Chuck Hanson continues to be the chairman of this department program and is doing a great job keeping Illinois #1 in this category. With respect to Post 66 we were acknowledged for the $1,000.00 donation to the Young Vets Symposium and received a very nice plague that I will be happy to show off at the September meeting. 

The hot topic of the convention was the upcoming “NEEDS OF YOUNG VETERANS NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM”, to be held October 17 - 21. 2006. 

Hyatt Regency O’Hare
9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Rosemont, IL 60018 

Post 66 would like to sponsor a few of our YOUNG VET members that are able to attend this event.  We are very anxious to get your input.  You can help us to help you find health, disability and job placement benefits that meet your needs.  AMVETS will use the recommendations to form an action plan to improve the nation’s veterans benefit system.  If you feel you can spare the time to participate please contact me ASAP.  Time is running out to register. 

This newsletter only cover a small portion of all that took place and is occurring but I only have so much space.  For more information you can always visit the national website @ www.amvets.org and the department website @ www.ilamvets.org.  Post 66 also has a website @ www.amvetspost66.com, If you don’t have a computer check your AMERICAN VETERAN magazine or call and we’ll try to help too. 

Once again, thank you for your hard work, your help and your support.  God bless all of you and God Bless AMERICA.  Please remember to pray for our troops safe return!

Yours in service to AMVETS,

Tony Altieri

September 3rd – Buffalo Grove Labor Day Parade 1:00 p.m.
September 4th – Labor Day
September 5th – Building Corp & Exec Committee meetings 7:00 p.m.
September 6th – VFW Post 981 & Ladies Auxiliary meeting 7:00 p.m.
September 9th & 10th – Officer’s Training/S.E.C., Springfield
September 11th– Fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks which cost the loss of
                             thousands of lives.  Never forget!

September 12th– General Membership meeting 7:00 p.m.
September 20th – Bingo at North Chicago VA Medical Center 7:00 p.m.
September 21st – Div 1 meeting Hines VA Hospital 7:00 p.m.
September 23rd – First Day of Rosh Hashanah
September 26th – Sad Sacks Unit 126 scrimmage 7:31 p.m. 

October   3rd – Building Corp & Exec Committee meetings 7:00 p.m.
October   4th – VFW Post 981 & Ladies Auxiliary meeting 7:00 p.m.
October 10th – General Membership meeting 7:00 p.m.